Monthly Archives: October 2010

When Author Solutions‘ app developer Inverted Pear released its Dracula HD book app last month, we discussed the changing definition of “a book.” With the explosion in the popularity of iPads and iPhones, and associated apps, the development of book apps was inevitable.

I’m pleased to announce that indie book publisher AuthorHouse has joined the book apps craze. Now indie authors can make their books through these popular the Apple devices as simple flipbooks; or bring their stories to life with a multimedia experience that includes full animation and custom artwork. Now readers can see an author’s vision for his story before their very eyes. The possibilities are virtually endless!

I’ve said it before and I’ll stand by it: this is truly the best time in history to be an author!

Rate this:

A few weeks ago I did an interview with Alan Rinzler, who writes a blog for Forbes. Alan has a long career in publishing, but has recently provided some insightful comments regarding the revolution taking place.

Agents are looking for self-published titles. Another sign the indie revolution is having an impact

In his latest post, he talk to a number of agents, who like me, see the relationship between agents and self published authors changing. Hence, the title for this post is actually the title of the post Alan made on Forbes. You can read the complete post on Forbes, but the following quote from Nathan Bransford, the popular publishing blogger and agent for Curtis Brown in San Francisco sums up the point Alan tries to make.

“I definitely am on the lookout for self-published books, and have clients who started out self-publishing. I wouldn’t say that I have strict criteria for which self-published projects I take on. It’s all case-by-case.”

I participated in two booksignings so far this weekend for my children’s book, Eli the Stable Boy.

The key to making a book signing work is having a pitch about your book to people walking by the table

It has been very fun, but also very informative. A few key things I learned so far. First, you have to be willing to ask people if they are interested in a new book. You can’t just sit there and hope people stop at your table. Second, you need to have a tightly worded pitch. In other words, be ready to tell the reader in a few words why they should be interested in the book. Also, offer to sign it and dedicate it. Third, ask them if they have someone who they might be able to give the book to as a gift. A few people bought the book because they are going to give it as a gift. I have another signing tomorrow and will update after then. Nothing beats talking to the readers.

I’m really excited that Author Solutions is partnering with some Borders locations in Seattle and Indianapolis this weekend for the inaugural Indie Author Weekend. In what we hope will become an annual event, local authors will hold book signings at Borders bookstores near their homes. I’ll even be signing copies of my childrens book — Eli the Stable Boy — at a couple of stores!

Here’s the info. I’ll put together a full schedule and post it tomorrow.

This event brings up an interesting topic: With the increased popularity of eBooks and more books being purchased through online book outlets, will brick-and-mortar bookstores disappear?

My answer to this question is an emphatic NO! Bookstores are evolving and becoming community gathering places; a cultural center of sorts in some communities. I think an event like Indie Author Weekend, which gives local authors the opportunity to meet readers in their communities, perfectly illustrates the unique place bookstores hold in our communities. Online outlets will never replace the experience of browsing and “talking books” at your local store.